Harlem Globetrotters great Curly Neal dies at 77

Basketball legend Curly Neal speaks during a ceremony as his No. 22 is retired by the world renowned Harlem Globetrotters at Madison Square Garden, Friday, Feb. 15, 2008 in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Posted: Thu 8:48 PM, Mar 26, 2020

(AP) - Fred “Curly” Neal, the dribbling wizard who entertained millions with the Harlem Globetrotters for parts of three decades, has died. He was 77. The Globetrotters say Neal died in his home outside of Houston, but did not provide any other details.

Neal played for the Globetrotters from 1963 to 1985, appearing in more than 6,000 games in 97 countries for the exhibition team known for its combination of comedy and athleticism.

He became one of five Globetrotters to have his jersey retired when his No. 22 was lifted to the rafters during a ceremony at Madison Square Garden in 2008.

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